Wednesday’s rugby news has a Rebels re-signing, more sponsorship income for the Tahs, Burgess starting and Japan seeking advice from a soccer legend.
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Rebels re-sign Stirzaker
The Melbourne Rebels have made the important move of securing the services of exciting prospect Nic Stirzaker until the end of the 2017 season. The 23-year-old has been earmarked as a future skipper after captaining Melbourne Rising in the NRC this year.
“Nic continues to show that he is capable of improving his game…Keeping Nic in Melbourne for an extended period has certainly been a retention priority for us,” Melbourne coach Tony McGahan said. For his part, the half-back stated that he never thought about changing teams, spurred on by the Rebels building their team by locking up many of their relatively young stars.
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Waratahs secure sponsor
NSW Waratahs have unveiled a new sponsor ahead of next year’s Super Rugby season with Ricoh the latest company to join what is growing list of official partners. The technology giant will be sighted on the collar of the Waratahs’ 2015 jersey and will also occupy field space in a deal that further boosts the franchise’s bottom line.
“To have an international industry leader like Ricoh on board with us really reflects how well we are travelling,” NSW Waratahs CEO Jason Allen said. The good fortune of the defending champions is, of course, in contrast to the well publicized unfortunate financially position of the Brumbies.
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Burgess gets first start
Former rugby league star Sam Burgess will continue his amazingly fast transition into the 15-a-side game, earning his first start this weekend for Bath at inside centre. Burgess has made two substitute appearances off the bench and has been named at 12 for Friday’s European Champions Cup match against Montpellier.
“We know from last weekend that he will bring plenty of physicality, and it will be good for our game plan to have that,” Bath’s coach Toby Booth said, adding, “The best way for Sam to learn is by being out there.”
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Japan given unusual advice
Japanese rugby coach Eddie Jones has turned to Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola in the hopes of breaking the 24-year winless streak that has plagued Japan’s World Cup involvement since they beat Zimbabwe in 1991. “The very best soccer teams vary their depth and formation in order to make the most of the space. So when you get the chance to learn from the best it’s a fantastic opportunity,” the former Wallabies coach said, emphasising the tactical similarities of the two sports.
Japan face a massive task to nail a win at next year’s World Cup, let alone get out of pool play. They have drawn double champions South Africa, improving Scotland, Samoa and the United States in Pool B.
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